Probate Solicitors London

Supportive, Caring Wills & Probate services in London

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Probate Lawyers in London

We are probate solicitors in London, Greenwich. ‘Probate’ is a quite complicated term as it means both an actual certificate, a Grant of Representation, that allows a deceased person’s estate to be divided between the beneficiaries, and also the process of doing so. ‘Going through Probate’ is when you are undertaking the administrative tasks that are required to tie up all the loose ends of an estate and finally settle which assets go to which beneficiaries. Probate can be quite complicated, as there are many things that can affect the process; did the deceased person leave a will or not? How large was the estate that they left? What is the current situation of the beneficiaries? All of these things can affect the process of your probate.

Applying for the grant of probate and organising the affairs yourself can be very overwhelming during a time of bereavement. There is a heavily administrative side to dealing with probate, and it will be your responsibility to ensure that any outstanding debts are discovered and paid off, that the estate is distributed as set out in the Will and that correct Inheritance Tax is paid. During such a difficult time, it can feel like a very big mountain to climb alone, which is why it is advisable to turn to an experienced third party.

On the death of a loved one, their estate (money, property and possessions) must be dealt with. Assets need to be collected in, debts (and if required taxes) must be paid and then the remainder is distributed to those entitled to it. This process is called “administering the estate“.

Probate If the deceased made a Will

The deceased nominates an ‘executor’ in their Will to administer their estate. An executor should apply for a ‘grant of probate’ from the probate registry which confirms that they have the authority to deal with the deceased’s estate and allows them to access funds, sell assets and ensure that the terms of the Will are carried out.

Probate If the deceased died without a Will

If the deceased died without making a Will, they have died ‘intestate.’ A close relative or connection can apply for a ‘grant of letters of administration’ which confirms that the administrator has the authority to deal with the deceased person’s assets. The Administration of Estates Act 1925 sets out who can apply for the grant of letters of administration and deal with the affairs of a person who has died intestate.

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Legal Wills & Probate Questions

The cost of Probate can really vary and is entirely dependent on your personal situation. If you have a very complicated family, the estate is very large or there are complications with the beneficiaries then the cost will be larger than for a simpler Probate application. Do feel free to get in contact with us directly. Once we have understood your personal situation it will be much easier for us to give you an estimation of the costs.

Loosely speaking, there are three main stages of Probate. The first is investigating the estate and checking how big is it, what has been left, and if there any outstanding debts to be paid. Even seemingly insignificant assets need to be checked. The second stage is completing tax returns, working out tax relief and applying for the Grant of Representation. The forms to complete will depend on the circumstances of the estate. The final stage is collected the assets, paying any outstanding debts and distributed the estate between the beneficiaries.

A Will sets out someone’s legal wishes for their estate after their death. Probate is what allows beneficiaries to access the estate that has been left to them. However, there are a few occasions where you would not need a grant. For example, if the estate is less than £5,000, or only includes cash funds, you do not normally need a grant. If all property in the is owned by beneficial joint However, where the estate includes other assets, like property, land or shares, then you will normally need to obtain a grant.

When no will has been left, you will need to apply for Letters of Administration rather than a Grant of Representation, though the term ‘probate’ is still sometimes used to refer to Letters of Administration, as it will function in the same way as a Grant of Representation; it will give you the ability break up and distribute the estate that has been left.

Wills & Probate Fees

Will Writing Fees

Basic Single Will: £150*Basic Mirror Will: £250*

Complicated Will: from £450*

LPA & Probate

Probate: from £800 (excluding disbursements)Single LPA: £250

Fees inclusive of VAT and disbursementsN.B. provided simple and straightforward

I would recommend Freeman Harris solicitor to anyone. I was very happy in the way I was dealt with. The solicitor that handle my case was professional and efficient, she always put my mind at ease under difficult circumstance.

Blake R

Procedure was straight forward and kept well informed at each stage. Cannot fault the service provided.